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5 Fun Things to Do in Kooser State Park

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Kooser State Park in western Somerset County, Pennsylvania, gets overlooked thanks to the many other impressive state parks nearby like Ohiopyle State Park and Laurel Hill State Park. However, for those looking for a beautiful and peaceful state park to visit, it’s a nice destination.

While it might not be worth a long ride on its own, Kooser State Park is a great place to visit while you are in the area or somewhere fantastic to stay that will give you easy access to the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands.

If you’re trying to figure out what fun things to do in Kooser State Park, we’ve got your covered with five great options.

Hike the Trails

Kooser State Park is home to several short, but beautiful trails.

Somewhat surprisingly, Kooser State Park is home to only 1.5 miles of trails. However, if you combine these trails with a bit of road walking, you can do a 2.3 mile loop that will take you from one end of the park to the other.

Tree Army Trail runs from the camping area to the dam at the far end of Kooser Lake. It follows along the meandering Kooser Run through a beautiful section of second-growth forest for half a mile.

The name of this trail is somewhat odd, but it takes its name from the Civilian Conservation Corps which were often called “Roosevelt’s Tree Army.”

The park’s second trail is the Kincora Trail which runs from an area behind the lake to a spot along the road about halfway to the campground. This one-mile trail winds its way along the hillside above the park.

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Kooser State Park is a great place to go cross-country skiing. (Photo used courtesy of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau)

During the winter, Kooser State Park is popular with cross-country skiers and there are 1.5 miles of cross-country skiing trails in the park. These trails follow the roads around the lake and offer a great introduction to the sport.

Go Fishing in Kooser Lake

Kooser Lake is a great spot for some peaceful fishing.

Kooser Lake is only four acres in size, but this small lake provides great fishing for trout, bluegill, and bass. No boats are permitted, so all fishing must be done from shore. Kooser Lake is stocked with trout prior to the start of the season.

A peninsula that juts out into the lake’s southeastern end is a popular spot to fish from.

Enjoy the Beauty of the Lake

Kooser Lake is a beautiful spot to relax.

Kooser Lake was created when a dam was built on Kooser Run by the CCC in the 1930s. While swimming used to be allowed on this lake, it hasn’t been since 2012 due to dangerous algae blooms. Despite this, the lake is still a peaceful and relaxing spot to visit.

This mountain lake is a picturesque spot for quiet contemplation or a picnic.

Stay in a Historic District

Kooser State Park is home to several beautiful and historic cabins. (Public Domain)

Kooser State Park is home to nine rustic cabins which were built in the 1930s by the CCC. Those cabins, combined with several other structures in the park are part of the Kooser State Park Family Cabin District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to Kooser State park’s cabins, there’s a campground with roughly three dozen camping spots. The small size of the campground ensures that you’ll have a relaxing time while visiting the park.

Find out more about the best things to do and spending the night in Kooser State Park on the park’s website.

See map below for other area attractions.

Other Great Things to Do in Pennsylvania

AUTHOR -
Jim Cheney

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in the state capital of Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.